Dr. Opal Lee, ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth,’ Honored With Presidential Medal of Freedom
The activist, social worker, and educator made national headlines for her decades-long advocacy to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. On Friday, May 3, President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Opal Lee, also known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, for her efforts in establishing Juneteenth as a national holiday. Dr. Lee was […]
University of South Carolina Unveils Monument Honoring First 3 Black Students to Integrate University
They are paying tribute! The University of South Carolina (USC) commemorated a pivotal moment in its history last month with the unveiling of a new monument honoring the courage and legacy of three Black students. Robert Anderson, Henrie Monteith Treadwell, and James Solomon Jr. were the first Black students admitted to USC since Reconstruction, and […]
Angela Bassett to Receive Honorary Degree from Spelman College
She’s being honored by one of the most prestigious HBCUs! Critically acclaimed actor and director Angela Bassett is set to address the 2024 graduating class of Spelman College as the keynote speaker for the 137th Commencement Ceremony this May. The legendary actor will inspire and encourage a new generation of Black women leaving the prestigious […]
New Photography Book Honors the Black Family Haircare Tradition of ‘Wash Day’
Representation matters–even in the little things. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. Then… Detangle. Deep condition. Hot oil treatment. Rinse again. Detangle again. Leave-in. Twist. Dry. Maybe hot comb or flat iron. And detangle one more time for good measure. If you’re a Black woman with natural hair, you’re familiar with this routine: It’s wash day! The day […]
Montgomery, AL’s First Black Mayor Named President of African American Mayors Association
His agenda prioritizes public safety, economic growth, and ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare! The City of Montgomery announced that Steven L. Reed, Mayor of Montgomery, Alabama–the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement–has become the president of the African American Mayors Association (AAMA). The AAMA, founded in 2014, empowers Black mayors by providing a […]
Edward Dudley, First Black U.S. Ambassador, Set To Be Honored with Historical Marker in Hometown
He is Virginia’s own! Edward Richard Dudley accomplished many historical “firsts” during his lifetime: he was the first African American to run for office in New York on the ticket of a major party, the first Black person to serve as an administrative judge in New York State, and the first African American United States […]
5 Moments That Solidify Candace Parker’s GOAT Status in the WNBA
Parker, who began her career in 2008, announced her retirement from the WNBA on April 28th. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Candace Parker (@candaceparker) Candace Parker’s recent retirement announcement left a bittersweet taste in the mouths of WNBA fans everywhere. But while her playing days may be over, her legacy as […]
At 16, Hana Taylor Schlitz Shatters TWU’s Youngest Grad Record, Previously Held By Her Sister
The youngest of the Taylor Schlitz kids is graduating college–at only 16! This May, Hana Taylor Schlitz is set to become the youngest graduate in the history of Texas Woman’s University (TWU) at age 16. It’s a record previously held by her older sister, Haley Taylor Schlitz, who received her Bachelor of Science in 2019 […]
Viola Davis To Receive Honorary Doctorate from University of Rhode Island
Academy Award-winning actor Viola Davis will be honored for her contributions to her profession and to her community! Davis is a multi-award-winning actress, one of only four Black actors to achieve EGOT status, winning all four competitive American performing arts awards. She is also a bestselling author and celebrated philanthropist, dedicated to inspiring and giving […]
Viola Davis and Husband Launch New Book Publishing Company
New York Times bestselling author and Academy Award-winning actor Viola Davis is getting into the book publishing industry! Davis and her husband, Julius Tennon, are joining forces with author and publisher Lavaille Lavette to launch JVL Media, a new publishing house seeking to champion under-represented voices in the book world. “This endeavor embodies our collective […]